The West Virginia University wrestling team, ranked No. 17 nationally, overcame an early deficit to defeat Lock Haven 21-15 in their final regular season match at Thomas Fieldhouse in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.
West Virginia started the meet with three straight losses but rallied for its 11th win of the season, the most since 2014 and a new high under head coach Tim Flynn. The comeback began in the heavyweight division, where freshman Brock Kehler defeated Kade Sottolano in overtime.
Redshirt sophomore Louie Gill followed at 125 pounds with an 11-6 decision over Curtis Nelson. Although a late takedown by Nelson prevented a major decision for Gill, it narrowed Lock Haven’s lead to three points.
Freshman Gunner Andrick continued his strong season by winning by fall at 133 pounds in just two minutes, giving West Virginia its first lead of the match at 12-9. Andrick finished the regular season on an eight-bout winning streak.
Lock Haven regained the advantage with consecutive victories, leading 15-12 as only two bouts remained. Freshman Cole Evans, making just his second dual appearance this season at 157 pounds, secured a major decision win with a third-period takedown and nearfall.
In the final bout at 165 pounds, redshirt sophomore Ty Watters moved up to a new weight class and faced Nick Kunstek. Watters recorded six takedowns and won by technical fall, ensuring victory for West Virginia.
After losing twice before winter break, West Virginia finished the remainder of their schedule with a record of six wins and three losses in 2026.
Coach Tim Flynn reflected on his team’s performance: “Needing a win in the final bout to secure the most wins in a single season in over a decade for WVU, Flynn turned to the stellar redshirt sophomore Ty Watters.”
The Mountaineers will next compete at the Big 12 Wrestling Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma on March 6-7.
Results from each bout included:
– Avery Bassett (Lock Haven) over Brody Conley (West Virginia), decision
– Sam Gautreau (Lock Haven) over Ian Bush (West Virginia), decision
– Tucker Hogan (Lock Haven) over Brian Finnerty (West Virginia), decision
– Brock Kehler (West Virginia) over Kade Sottolano (Lock Haven), sudden victory
– Louie Gill (West Virginia) over Curtis Nelson (Lock Haven), decision
– Gunner Andrick (West Virginia) over Sean Logue (Lock Haven), fall
– Wyatt Henson (Lock Haven) over Jordan Titus (West Virginia), decision
– Lucas Kapusta (Lock Haven) over Willie McDougald (West Virginia), sudden victory
– Cole Evans (West Virginia) over Chase Burke (Lock Haven), major decision
– Ty Watters (West Virginia) over Nick Kunstek (Lock Haven), technical fall
The team looks ahead to postseason competition following their strongest regular season showing in more than ten years.